When the first official library in Perry Hall formally opened its doors at 9440 Belair Road in September of 1963, it was the culmination of years of preparation. Back in 1951, the Kingsville Homemakers' Club operated a community library for six hours a week. They planted the seed that took off and grew and by 1952, they were serving 157 customers and circulating 4000 books.

County library officials saw the need and responded by starting bookmobile service in the area. By 1962, the community had grown to the point that a citizen group began lobbying for a branch library. A new brick building was built and dedicated in September 1963 — complete with a dedication ceremony that included prominent guests including Congressman Clarence Long and Baltimore County Executive (and future vice-president) Spiro T. Agnew.

To commemorate the golden anniversary, Saturday's event at the Perry Hall Branch invited everyone to attend a day of fun activities for the whole family. The Friends of the Perry Hall Library, a volunteer group of library supporters, were on hand to welcome visitors and invite them to join their organization.

Friends who volunteered for the 50th celebration included Perry Hall residents Harry Quinn and Irene Butler, who said they enjoyed welcoming guests.

"The community really loves this library," Quinn said, "and the staff is excellent with people in the community and to work with".

The day's highlights included face painting with Annette Abramson, crafts donated by Lakeshore Learning, a performance by the Chapel Hill Elementary School Choir, and comments by BCPL Director Jim Fish, Councilman David Marks and Friends of the Perry Hall Library President Jaymee Farinacci. There was also Phinneas T. Waggs' One Man Show and Balloon Art with Tom Lilly.

Cindy Klebeck, manager of the Perry Hall library, has been in her position for just six months, but said she already feels the special bond between the community and its library.

"I love working here," she said. "The people are kind and welcoming, and it is great to be in this beautiful library."

Perry Hall Branch is located at 9685 Honeygo Blvd in Perry Hall. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. year round.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth on Tuesday criticized Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk as "irresponsible" for recently signing an open letter to the government of Iran regarding ongoing nuclear talks.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said Tuesday that he wants legislation on his desk by the end of the week to clarify that the state's new religious-freedom law does not allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Ernie Banks did not appear ill when he signed and executed a will that left his entire estate to a longtime caretaker, according to witnesses who testified Tuesday at a critical hearing over the hotly contested will of the Chicago Cubs great.

Two cross-dressing men who were fired upon by National Security Agency police when they disobeyed orders at a heavily guarded gate had just stolen a car from a man who had picked them up and checked into a motel, police said Tuesday.